South Africa

Overlooked by the spectacular heights of Table Mountain and surrounded by stunning beaches, lush farmland and superb vineyards, Cape Town has established itself as South Africa’s cultural capital and as one of the most vibrant city destinations on the continent. This is a city where African, European and Asian cultures meet in a multi-ethnic rainbow reflected in its music, architecture and visual arts, as well as in its amazing choice of cuisines. Cape Town is great for partying as well, with a year-round calendar of festivals, parades and world-class sporting events.

South Africa’s Durban has to be one of the continent’s most appealing cities, especially after the 2010 World Cup breathed new life into the area by revamping the waterfront; the splendid Moses Mabhida Stadium remains one of Durban’s primary attractions to-date. Durban moves to the beat of gqom, its own home-grown music genre, which is slowly making its way onto global charts from South Africa's sunny, tropical melting pot of eclectic cultural influences.

Vibrant, ever-changing, multi-faceted Johannesburg flings contrasts at you from every angle. Trees line streets where houses hide their manicured gardens and pristine blue swimming pools behind high white walls, miles of shacks tell of the effects of the apartheid years – still to be overcome. The air of Africa’s most dynamic city vibrates with music and buzzes with business while its stylish restaurants, elegant shops, art galleries and theatres delight the international visitor.